We welcome dogs in the Dane County Park System at our off-leash dog parks and throughout the Dane County Park System. A dog permit is required for all dogs except service dogs. Please note that campsite reservations in a campground include a complimentary daily dog permit good for the duration of the stay. A complimentary dog permit is not included in group camp reservations.
Purchase a Dog Permit Dog Park Rules
Dane County Parks is a national leader in the development of off-leash dog parks. We now have seven off-leash dog parks, totaling 229 acres, each with its own unique features and terrain. A permit is required in order to bring your dog to a dog park within the Cooperative Dog Park Program which includes: Dane County Parks, City of Madison Parks, City of Sun Prairie Parks and City of Middleton Parks. You must have a dog license from your municipality to purchase a Dane County Dog Permit. An Annual Dog Park Cleanup is held on the 1st Saturday in April each year.
A dog permit also allows you to access all Dane County Park System lands for on-leash hikes with your pup with the following requirements and exceptions:
Dogs are welcome in Dane County Wildlife Areas with the following requirements: